New Connecticut realtors association president knows her way around the business

MERIDEN — Going off to college in the 1970s, Sandy Maier Schede was sure she'd be a teacher, even going so far as earning an education degree.

But she wouldn't end up exposing students to new ideas. Instead, she would make a career of showing — and selling — houses, the second generation of the family-owned Maier Real Estate, started by her parents in 1959.

"There's a lot of satisfaction in helping people with a purchase that is important in their lives," Schede said. "And one thing about real estate, there is always a need, in good times or bad."

Schede was recently named president of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, taking over at a time when the recovery in the state's home sale market is unfolding slower than many expected. Her term runs through the end of 2015.

Schede remains optimistic about the prospects for this year. Despite a disappointing spring home buying season in 2014, the fall was more encouraging and, so far this winter, buyers are still coming out for showings, thanks to a lack of snowfall.

Courtesy of Connecticut Association Of Realtors

Courtesy of Connecticut Association Of Realtors

Mortgage rates also are attractive. Last week, the average for 30-year, fixed-rate home loans nationally fell to its lowest level since May 2013.

Low mortgage rates are certainly a boon to a recovering market but, for some potential buyers, they may not be enough. The recovery in the state's employment market has only picked up recently. And despite low rates, would-be buyers, especially those considering a move to a larger house, may not be willing to take on the risk of a larger mortgage, she said.

"They might just stay where they are," Schede said.

Without that movement, there are constraints put on the inventory of "starter" homes, which are in short supply in some markets.

Schede, now 58, got her real estate license at 16 — just before the minimum age was raised to 18. She worked at her parent's agency nights and weekends while attending college at Southern Connecticut State University. She leased apartments and helped market new subdivisions.

Schede said she is comfortable with being president of the association, which will require her to lobby at the state legislature this session. She has served on both the board of education and the city council in Meriden.

Schede co-owns Maier with her brother John J. Maier Jr., and they have an office at the corner of South Broad Street and Green Road. Once the space was her grandfather's pet store. When her grandfather retired. Schede's parents, John J. and Theresa Maier Sr., relocated their agency from their home, where it was started, to the pet store space. Since then, the building has been expanded.

There is still an homage to her grandfather's store. The agency's logo is a squirrel on a lamppost and, over the years, clients and friends have given the Maiers stuffed squirrels. They have been placed in what was once her grandfather's display windows.

"You know, it was like, 'How much is that doggie in the window?'" Schede said.

Schede's father died several years ago, but her mother, now 79, works at the office.